Dependency Quick Guide

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The Dependency Quick Guide is intended to be used as a reference manual for attorneys representing parents and children in juvenile dependency proceedings. Its goal is to provide guidance and short answers to common problems that attorneys face. The book is divided into three major parts: "Hearings," "Fact Sheets," and "Summaries of Seminal Cases."

Here's what's new: The fourth edition contains updates on child welfare laws, policies, and practices since 2017.

Table of Contents

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Hearings

The hearings section is organized by statutory hearing in procedural order. Each statutory hearing section contains checklists and black letter discussion and tips. The checklists outline the primary tasks that must be completed and factors that must be considered before, during, and after each statutory dependency hearing. The black letter sections provide a basic overview of the hearings for new attorneys as well as tips on how to effectively advocate for clients in problem situations.

Initial/Detention
Detention Hearing Checklist: Child's Attorney
Detention Hearing Checklist: Parent's Attorney
Black Letter Discussion and Tips

Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Hearing Checklist: Child’s Attorney
Jurisdiction Hearing Checklist: Parent’s Attorney
Black Letter Discussion and Tips

Disposition
Disposition Hearing Checklist: Child's Attorney
Disposition Hearing Checklist: Parent's Attorney
Black Letter Discussion and Tips

Judicial Review of Placement With Parent
Judicial Review of Placement With Parent Checklist (§ 364): Child's Attorney
Judicial Review of Placement With Parent Checklist (§ 364): Parent's Attorney
Black Letter Discussion and Tips

Status Reviews
Status Reviews Checklist: Child's Attorney
Status Reviews Checklist: Parent's Attorney
Black Letter Discussion and Tips

Selection and Implementation
Selection and Implementation Checklist (§ 366.26): Child's Attorney
Selection and Implementation Checklist (§ 366.26): Parent's Attorney
Black Letter Discussion and Tips

Review of Permanent Plan
Review of Permanent Plan Checklist (§ 366.3): Child's Attorney
Review of Permanent Plan Checklist (§ 366.3): Parent's Attorney
Black Letter Discussion and Tips

Subsequent and Supplemental Petitions
Black Letter Discussion and Tips

Motions for Modification
Black Letter Discussion and Tips

Fact Sheets

The fact sheets are organized topically and give additional information on complex areas of dependency practice. They cover complex topics such that a practitioner will have, at a minimum, a foundation to provide effective advocacy in cases that require specialize knowledge. References to fact sheets through the book are hyperlinked to enable you to jump to the relevant fact sheet.

Adoption
Caregivers: De Facto Parent, Prospective Adoptive Parent, and Nonrelative Extended
Child Abuse Central Index
Children's Rights
Education Law, Rights, and Issues
Nonminor Dependents
Funding and Rate Issues
Hearsay in Dependency Hearings
Immigration
Indian Child Welfare Act
Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children
Jurisdictional Issues
Parentage
Parents' Rights Regarding GAL Appointments and Incarcerated Parents
Pregnant and Parenting Teens
Psychotropic Medication Orders
Relative Placements
Safe Haven / Safe Surrender
Siblings
Termination of Jurisdiction: Common Issues
Visitation

Summaries of Seminal Cases